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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

‡OCHTLINS, adv., n. Also ouchtlans, oughtlins, -lens, aughtlins. [′oxtlɪnz]

I. adv. In any way, at all, in the least degree (Sc. 1721 Ramsay Poems (S.T.S.) I. Gl.; wm.Sc. 1825 Jam.).Ayr. 1790 Burns To a Gentleman 31–2:
Or if he was grown oughtlins douser, And no a perfect kintra cooser.Kcd. 1820 E. Tevendale Misc. Poems 13:
Then called to my aid he did assure me He did nae aughtlins doubt but he could cure me.Mry. 1849 A. Blackhall Poems 34:
And still this scrawl I'd give to flames, Could I do aughtlins better.Per. 1895 R. Ford Tayside Songs 303:
But feint a face or form I met — . . . Seem'd ouchtlans rare.Ayr. 1912 G. Cunningham Verse 215:
Altho' he hinna walth, nor binna Octhlins [sic] kin' o' bien.

II. n. Anything, aught.Sc. 1721 Ramsay Poems (S.T.S.) I. 160:
Does Tam the Rhymer spae oughtlins of this?Per. 1766 A. Nicol Poems 179:
Can oughtlins better please the gods than this, Or oughtlins mair augment our happiness?Gsw. 1872 J. Young Lochlomond Side 85:
Sae whether ochtlans in it be, Or if 'tis nocht but glamourie.Sc. 1928 J. G. Horne Lan'wart Loon 25:
Faur frae a lichtit hoose or dwallin' To gether ochtlins o' the callan.